Canbury School Newsletter 1st july 2022. ISSUE 272

Dear Families, Friends, Students and Staff

Well here we are – at the end of another year at Canbury school. And what a year it has been.

We have been liberated from bubbles, are fully back in the classroom, have resumed public exams and enjoyed school visits and joyous gatherings, such as last night’s Garden Party, yesterday’s Sports' Day and last week’s Leavers’ Dinner.

We had such fun on Tuesday, with trips to Thorpe Park and Brighton, brilliantly organised by Mrs Rich. Mrs Rich has also overseen the many charity events that we have successfully raised funds for this year, ably assisted by Hannah, Orlanda and Reenie.

I am often asked ‘What is special about Canbury?’ And the answer is all of you in all your diversity with all your many talents. We all love an individual and, here, we love to nurture that special spark that can grow into a flame and then grow into a passion for something. This is something that we saw in a glittering array of talent yesterday in the Talent Show. I have been waxing lyrical about it ever since. I was firstly dazzled by the range of talent that we have at Canbury and, secondly, astounded by the number of you who participated. We must also thank all the students and staff who worked so hard alongside Ms Jones to ensure the bringing together of so much talent.

I also want to mention the Sports’ Day. It was absolutely super to see so many of you participating and giving it your all and to note, again, the range of talent we had there. Ms Littler was a hilarious commentator and Ms Boyle kept track of the house points with her usual efficiency. I would also like to say a formal 'thank you' to Mr Barnes and his able assistants for organising the whole thing - again, I do not underestimate the amount of effort it takes to ensure an event like that passes off without a hitch.

The final event of an extremely busy day yesterday was the glorious Summer Garden Party. What fun! I felt very fortunate to be part of this Canbury family yesterday, and I am sure you all feel the same too.

Although this has been a joyous end of term, ends of term are always tinged with sadness when we have to say ‘Goodbye’ to some members of staff. As most of you already know Mr Batten, Mr Wallbank, Mr O’Donovan and Mr Goodyear are all leaving. We wish them all well in their new endeavours and thank them for their service to the School.

We also say goodbye and a huge 'Thank you' to Mrs Branney, who leaves us today for her next adventure, after seven years of tireless service. Otti did a splendid job at Assembly this morning reminding us just how much Mrs Branney has brought to the role – her tireless support for students and staff, her remarkable work ethic and commitment to her job, her resilience, sense of humour and no-nonsense attitude. I know we will all miss her, but we wish her the very best in her new role as Deputy Head in a Gloucestershire school.

I would also like to thank:

• all staff who have dedicated so much time and energy and enthusiasm to making lessons informative and engaging and who have done their best to help you progress and fulfil your potential. For them, every day is living out the creed of the school ‘Embracing difference - harnessing talent’;

• the amazing LSAs who support and teach you too - these staff don’t just help you learn, they help you develop life-long skills;

• Mrs Davies and Mrs Griffiths whom you see on the front desk every day but who do so much more than that. Mr Fairbrass who does a great deal for us around the site but is also a friendly face for so many of you.

• All of the expert staff who support you like Ms Jones, Mrs Haines, Ms Chorazyczewska, Mrs Burke and Ms Daggett and Mrs Marchant, and Mrs Campera.

• Thank you to other staff who are invaluable to the school like Ms Boggi who is our registrar but also looks after your wellbeing and in whom many of you place your trust. The Bursar, Mrs Anindita-Beckman, who makes sure all the figures add up. And, of course, Mrs Bate who works with Mrs Branney, and with me on the newsletter every week, but who also brings such light and fun into the school.

I also want to say ‘Thank you’ to all the parents and carers for their support, for helping guide you, for giving you the right motivation and supporting you through hardship or difficulty. We’re a small community and the partnership between home and school has to be close; it is because your parents are so supportive and communicate so well with us that this works.

Finally, I want to thank you, the students, for your hard work and enthusiasm. I also want to acknowledge your courage when you are scared and your perseverance when you’re struggling. But most of all for your support and kindness of one another.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead staff, first, Mrs Rich and, second, Ms Boggi will be contactable by email throughout the summer holiday for safeguarding concerns via the safeguarding@canburyschool.co.uk email. This is for safeguarding only.

I hope you all have a super holiday, have some well-deserved rest and relaxation but also ensure that you come back prepared for the new year! We return to school on Monday 5th September 8.10am.

Carolyn Yates.

Headmistress.

So, how did this week look?

So it's not been ALL play and no work this week. The Canbury Science Laboratory and the playground were both alive with practical experiments galore. By the looks of these photos, perhaps it WAS all play and no work!